Advantages of Buying a Brand New Home
When you buy a brand new home, you get the best of both worlds-all the traditional value you expect in a home, plus the advantages that only a newly built home can provide.
Get what you want. New home builders offer unparalleled quality and value. Choose from an incredible selection of new home models, then work closely with your builder to decide on the features and finishes that work best for you and your family.
You choose the builder. When you buy a brand new home, you get to choose your builder based on their reputation and track record. Professional new home builders are proud of their work, they have the skills, experience and integrity to do the job right, and they are committed to your satisfaction.
You know what you get. With a new home, you know how the house was built and what went into it-both what you can see and what is behind the walls. And if you have questions later, your builder will be there to give you helpful and accurate information.
Quality construction. The quality of your new home is based on solid construction and attention to details. Professional new home builders combine the latest construction techniques with timeless craftsmanship to create homes that are comfortable, attractive and great to live in.
Well-designed communities. New developments are designed to foster a spirit of neighbourliness by carefully balancing private and public areas-welcoming home designs, green recreational areas, playgrounds for children, safe and attractive roads and pathways.
Great designs. Today’s new homes combine function and style, with open, inviting living areas, lots of light, well-planned work spaces and built-in convenience. Flexible layouts make it easy to accommodate future changes to your household.
Advanced products and materials. New homes use the most advanced building components. From construction materials to heating systems, the technology built into every new home ensures high performance, durability and long-term satisfaction.
Finishes with flair. From flooring to faucets, the latest finishing products spell great looks and superior performance. New home builders offer a wide selection of standard and upgrade options-you can pick and choose what best suits your lifestyle, personality and budget.
Easy maintenance. With today’s careful construction, thoughtful design and improved building products, it is easier than ever to keep your home in great condition inside and out.
Energy-efficiency. Thanks to advanced construction, higher levels of insulation and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, you not only save money on your energy bills, you also enjoy a far more comfortable home.
Indoor air quality. Clean air, a comfortable moisture level and no mold or lingering odours-new homes are designed to give you and your family the best possible indoor living environment.
Safety. Constructed to the latest building codes, a new home includes a wide range of safety measures to protect you and your family, from electrical circuit protectors and safety glass to hard-wired smoke detectors.
Warranty. One of the great advantages of buying a brand new home is the warranty that comes with it. Professional builders stand behind their work with an after-sales service program and a guaranteed third-party warranty.
Stable financial planning. Plan for the future with confidence. With a new home, you know what you are getting. Everything is brand new-there will be no major repair bills and no replacement costs for years to come.
Energy Efficiency for Savings and Comfort
The energy efficiency of Canadian homes has improved greatly over the years. Thanks to major advances in building techniques and product innovation, today’s new home owner can expect to use only half of the energy required for a similar home built in 1950, and at the same time enjoy a far more comfortable living environment.
Does this mean that new home builders are not concerned with energy efficiency any longer? No, far from it. While today’s new home standards offer an excellent starting point, there are still many opportunities, large and small, to further increase the performance and the comfort of a new home.
Windows
Generally, double-glazed windows are standard in today’s new homes. From there, homebuyers have a wide range of options for energy improvements. Common upgrades include low-E coating on the glass, inert gas fill between glass layers and insulating spacers to keep the glass layers apart-all designed to reduce the transfer of heat from the warmest to the coldest parts of the window. This also reduces window condensation and makes homes more comfortable. Other options include additional glass layers and improved frame design.
Some better quality windows carry an Energy Rating (ER) label-a plus or minus rating system that makes it easier to compare performance and relative heat loss. A few high-efficiency windows rate positive, which means they can actually contribute to heating your home through passive solar gain. Fixed, or non-opening, windows are generally more energy efficient than operable windows. Professional new home builders often recommend using different types of windows, with the most energy-efficient ones installed on the more exposed sides of the home.
Heating systems
Heating uses a significant amount of a home’s energy, from 40% to 60% depending on the system. Options to reduce heating costs and increase comfort include high-efficiency furnaces, as well as more recent systems such as hybrid furnaces combining space and water heating; in-floor radiant heating, and “heating zone” controls.
No matter which system is chosen, control systems such as programmable thermostats with multiple set-back modes and other features can help to maximize your heating dollars.
Appliances
The amount of energy consumed by major household appliances can add up quickly, so choosing energy-efficient models can make a significant difference in anybody’s budget. The EnerGuideTM label to compare energy ratings between models. For dishwashers, refrigerators and clothes washers, the EnergyStar® mark on the label identifies the most energy-efficient models available today.
Other opportunities
There are many other measures that can reduce your energy bills further, such as fans with timers; low-flow showerheads for the bathroom; energy-efficient lighting with automatic timers, and motion or light sensors for outside security lighting. All of these are readily available.
New Home Warranty
One of the great advantages of buying a brand new home is a warranty. Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and you want to make sure it is well protected. As you look at homes and get to know the builders in your community, consider the warranty carefully.
Is a new home warranty mandatory? In British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, builders have to provide homebuyers with a third-party warranty. In the rest of Canada, the decision is left up to the individual builder. For homebuyers, the choice is easy-you want to buy your home from a professional builder with a solid reputation, excellent after-sales service and a third-party warranty.
What’s covered? As a minimum, a new home warranty generally includes deposit insurance and protection against defects in work and materials as well as major structural defects. Additional coverage may include defects in your home’s mechanical systems or building envelope. Some warranties include living expenses to offset the cost of temporary accommodations, moving and storage if you cannot occupy your home due to builder failure or warranty repairs. You may also be able to upgrade a “basic package” and get extended coverage.
Before you sign a contract with your builder. Know what you are buying. Ask the builder to explain the warranty before you make a final decision-what’s covered and what’s not. Also verify that the builder is registered with a warranty provider; you can contact the provider by telephone or check their web site.
Before you move in. As your home nears completion, your builder will schedule a walk-through of your home, also known as a pre-delivery inspection. Together, you and your builder will go through the home to verify that it is built according to plan, with the features and inclusions specified in your agreement. At the same time, you should take note of any imperfections and defects that require attention, down to the smallest detail-a sticking drawer, a missing towel rack, a scratch on the wall and so on. Discuss with your builder how and when these things will be dealt with.
During the walk-through, your builder will explain how to operate and service the mechanical systems, and how to take care of the many components in your home to ensure long-lasting performance. Ask questions as you go-it’s important that you feel confident and knowledgeable about your new home from the outset.
What if I run into a problem with my new home? Keep in mind that “settling” is common during the first year and may result, for instance, in minor cracks or nail pops. If you have questions about your home, encounter any problems or need service, follow the process set out by your builder. In the event that your builder is not responsive to your needs, the warranty provider will ensure appropriate action, including mediation between you and your builder.
Expectations and responsibilities. Open communication is key to avoiding conflict between you and your builder. What are the builder’s obligations and performance standards? What are the company’s after-sales service standards and process? What are you responsible for once you move in? What do you need to know in order to avoid problems in your new home? Don’t hesitate to ask your builder for answers to these and other questions. Warranty providers also offer detailed consumer information, including home maintenance, online or you can request written publications. Many also have excellent advice on home buying, such as what to look for in a builder and the steps involved in homeownership.
New home warranty – another great feature of your brand new home.
